In a huge blow to Bangladesh ahead of the Asia Cup 2023, their premier fast bowler Ebadot Hossain has been ruled out due to a knee injury he sustained during the Afghanistan series last month.
Ebadot was named in Bangladesh's 17-member squad 10 days ago. However, he failed in the race against time to get match fit and was ruled out of the event. There is a question about his World Cup participation as well.
"Ebadot had undergone six weeks of rehab following the injury," BCB's chief sports physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
"We have had multiple MRIs done during this time and the reports suggest that his ACL is still a concern and requires further management. Therefore, he misses out on the Asia Cup.
"Considering the importance of Bangladesh team's next major event, which is the ICC World Cup in October, the BCB is committed to exploring every safe medical option available for getting Ebadot back to full fitness and playing as early as possible, including consultation and treatment overseas," he added.
Ebadot’s numbers
Ebadot has a total of 22 wickets to his name from 11 innings at a strike rate of 24.5. He has taken two four-fers in the format so far including one against India and another against Ireland. In the three-ODI series against India last year, he took a total of seven wickets.
Ebadot’s replacement
In the 29-year-old's absence, young Tanzim Hasan Sakib has been named as his replacement. The 20-year-old pacer has 57 wickets to his name in List A format from 37 matches including one fifer and three four-fers.
Bangladesh’s updated Asia Cup squad: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan and Tanzim Hasan.
Shakib-led Bangladesh will begin their Asia Cup campaign against co-hosts Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on August 31. Their next group stage match will be against Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on September 3.
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